The Swadeshi movement radically questioned the earlier, moderate approach of 'petitioning and praying' to the colonial government for concessions. It was also a rejection of the political programme of the Moderates. The Swadeshi movement started as a reaction to the partition of Bengal in July 1905. Slogans of Swadeshi and Swaraj were taken up not only in Bengal but in many other provinces as well and Bande Mataram became a popular song during this period. Students and other young people, women and even workers participated in the movement which continued for many months. Thus we see that Swadeshi movement inaugurated a new phase in the Indian National Movement. The Moderate methods of appealing to the government was now over and the base of the movement had expanded. Students, women and many other sections of the middle classes now became involved.